Noah Galloway is the celebrity spokesman for the 100 Alabama Miles Challenge, a program that encourages people in the state to visit parks, trails and nature centers. The goal is to log 2 miles per week in the great outdoors, reaching 100 miles over a year. (100 Alabama Miles Challenge Facebook photo)

That's Noah Galloway's advice for people in our state who want to be healthier, happier and more adventurous.

As the celebrity spokesman for the 100 Alabama Miles Challenge, Galloway is encouraging everyone to spend time outside this year -- hiking, biking, swimming, paddling, walking, trail riding or engaging in other activities that strike their fancy.

"It's about getting out and being active," Galloway says. "I'm all about that, especially in our state. Alabama is not known for being fit."

But that can change if people get off the couch and head outside, plugging into the fresh-air concept of the 100 Alabama Miles Challenge. This new program -- developed by several public and private organizations -- asks participants to log two miles each week while visiting Alabama parks, rivers, trails and nature preserves. That way, they can experience the beauty of the state, boost their fitness and reach a milestone of 100 miles over the course of a year.

"A lot of people are intimidated by fitness, because they think it has to be extreme," says Galloway, who's worked as a personal trainer. "Just getting out there and doing something can make a difference."

The Alabama Army veteran -- a double amputee who's also a fitness buff, inspirational speaker and former reality TV star -- will help Birmingham folks get started on Saturday at Railroad Park. He's leading a 1-mile walk at 9 a.m., easing newcomers into the program and making that first mile count.

"It's all about taking that first step," says Galloway, 36. "We're going to kick it off and do a walk. I'll meet everybody and talk to everybody. We'll just enjoy ourselves. You've got to start small. People try for too big, too soon. It's all about starting at something."

In December 2005, Galloway lost part of two left limbs during Operation Iraqi Freedom, after driving a Humvee into a trip wire that ignited a hidden bomb. His recovery was long and difficult, and Galloway found himself coping with the trauma in unhealthy ways. Depressed, drinking and out of shape, he vowed to get fit again and improve his relationship with his three children.

"It was several years since I'd been in shape, after getting injured," Galloway says. "There were times I tried and quit, tried and quit. But I started eating healthy and doing a little bit at a time. What it boiled down to was that I wanted to be a better father to my kids. You've got to take care of yourself, to make yourself healthy for your family."

Organizers for the challenge hope others will take Galloway's advice to heart, and it's clear they've designed this program as an alternative to the "no pain, no gain" philosophy that can make exercise seem like a chore. To make things easier and more enjoyable, they've developed online tools to help participants track their miles and celebrate their progress.

On the program's website, people can plan trips, form groups and find events linked to the challenge. Participants also can record their mileage on the site, earning electronic badges when they visit certain places -- state parks, for example -- or reach specific milestones.

"Because it's got the dynamic of tracking your mileage, you can make it a competition with your friends if you want to, or compete with yourself," Galloway says.

Social media posts are part of the program, as well. Participants are encouraged to share their outdoor experiences on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and the like, using the hashtag #100ALMiles.

Partners for the program include the Alabama Obesity Task Force, Alabama Trails Commission, Lakeshore Foundation, Alabama State Parks, Alabama Department of Public Health, AARP Alabama and the University of Alabama Center for Economic Development.

Galloway, who lives in Shelby County, says he'll be logging mileage from two of his favorite spots in the area: Oak Mountain State Park in Pelham and Ruffner Mountain in Birmingham. But he also regards the 100 Alabama Miles Challenge as a spur to explore the great outdoors throughout the state.

"I'm more of a gym guy," Galloway admits. "I love to get out, but I'm guilty of not always getting out. I'm going to use this as an opportunity to get out more and do things."